C is for Cacti

I was thrilled when my husband extended my windowsills so they were wide enough for houseplants of all sizes to call home in the cold weather months. Unfortunately, the cats assumed the new additions were strictly for their use, all the better to sit and observe birds flying about in the winter months. They were enchanted by the windowsills.

After more than one plant ended up in pieces on the kitchen floor because a cat tried to nudge their way in between the plants, I was ready to declare defeat. Turns out, all I needed was a bit of strategic plant placement. Once the edges of the windowsills sported prickly cacti, the cats waved the white flag. They gave up their prime seating in order to avoid their new enemies - cinnamon and bunny ears cacti.

Occasionally, they'll forget and I'll find some stray cat fur that got caught in the prickles before they made the decision to call retreat. But for the most part, they steer clear of all my plants now that they are protected by a cacti fence.

I did leave the cats one windowsill to enjoy. Now the battle is over who gets the windowsill on sunny days.